COLUMBUS, Ohio — Playgrounds are meant to be spaces where kids can freely play and explore, but for many families, traditional playgrounds can be daunting or inaccessible. However, a new playground in Columbus is changing the game.
What You Need To Know
- A new playground in Columbus, located at Blendon Woods Metro Park, has been designed specifically for children with special needs
- The playground was created in response to concerns raised by local mother Jessica Bennett, whose son has autism and faced challenges playing at traditional parks due to safety and accessibility issues
- The playground's inclusive design features wheelchair-friendly ramps, sensory areas and communication boards
Located at the Blendon Woods Metro Park, this specially designed playground is tailored to meet the needs of children with special needs. The playground features wheelchair-friendly ramps, sensory areas, musical instruments and communication boards.
According to Tim Moloney, executive director of Columbus and Franklin County Metroparks, the playground was designed in response to concerns raised by Jessica Bennett, a mother whose son has autism. She had difficulty taking him to traditional parks.
"Most of our playgrounds are accessible, but (Jessica) corrected us and said, 'Yeah, they have accessible elements, but none of your playgrounds are truly accessible,'" Moloney explained.
The playground's design prioritizes inclusivity, with a poured-in-place rubber surface that allows for easy navigation in wheelchairs. Moloney emphasizes the importance of providing kids with opportunities to play and be active, regardless of their abilities.
For Jessica Bennett's son, the playground is a dream come true.
"He loves it. He thinks it's his park," she said.
The best part for Bennett is seeing her son's smile as he zooms down the slide.
“There's really no words to describe how amazing it feels that he's accepted here and he's welcome to come here and be around people who understand him," she said.
